Nicosia: The agreement on passenger rights in air transport, reached during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU with the European Parliament, is anticipated to be implemented in July 2027, as stated by Minister of Transport, Communication and Works, Alexis Vafeades. Speaking to reporters following the Council of Ministers meeting, Vafeades informed the Cabinet about the agreement finalized in Strasbourg. This agreement is focused on revising a regulation concerning passenger rights.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister described it as a significant achievement for passengers across Europe, highlighting that the regulation had remained stagnant for approximately 13 years. With the agreement reached, the next steps involve pushing it through to be legislated. The regulation is designed to provide transparency in passenger rights, simplifying the process for claiming compensation in cases of flight delays or cancellations. It also grants essential rights to passengers, such as allowing parents to sit with their children under 14 years old without incurring additional fees.
The Minister emphasized that the rights of vulnerable passengers are also safeguarded. He mentioned that, beyond transparency, the regulation offers reliability in transport, which is crucial for increasing connectivity-a vital element for Cyprus's economy. This development is expected to bring a substantial and positive change to the daily experiences of passengers.
In response to inquiries, the Minister explained that under the Chair of the Cyprus EU Presidency, member states voted 85% in favor of the agreement, with the European Parliament representatives voting unanimously in support. The subsequent step will be the official approval by both bodies.
The Minister estimated that the legislation would come into effect by early July 2027. He also acknowledged the European Commission's contribution to the process and highlighted the significant role played by European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in facilitating the agreement.
In conclusion, the Minister expressed gratitude towards the team involved, specifically mentioning Ambassador George Ioannides and air traffic controller Nikos Kountouris, for their dedication to the matter.